TEDxHouston 2012: Resonate

Resonance, at its fullest, can dramatically change reality. Fine glass sings at its resonant frequency and if the oscillations breach a threshold, resonance will shatter the vessel. This interplay between what makes us resonate, and how we react, is a fascinating metaphor for the exchange of ideas especially in the multicultural, diverse, and exciting environment of our community—with so many different voices, all resonating through their cultural frequencies.

The dichotomies we will be exploring are a crucial part of the language of resonance. Every wave has two peaks which simultaneously oppose and define each other. The dynamic relationship between those two extremes, and their merger and compromise, leads to movement, progress, and change. The creative friction between opposites, even when they seem mutually exclusive, creates the energy required to move the system forward.

East and West, Foreground and Background, Complexity and Simplicity, Inward and Outward. All of these dualities are the essence of one underlying mechanism. This year, we have summed it up in the metaphor of Resonance.

Please help us determine how we can each contribute to the beautiful melody of our city. How can we resonate within ourselves, so that what we share resonates within others, and as one voice? Once again this year, our community will move forward towards progress and positive change. Will you join us?

About TEDxHouston

In 2009, and in the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED created a program called TEDx – A program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxHouston, where x = an independently organized TED event.

At our TEDxHouston events, TEDTalks videos, and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in an intimate group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.

About TED

TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. Starting as a four-day conference in California 25 years ago, TED has grown to support those world-changing ideas with multiple initiatives. The annual TED Conference invites the world's leading thinkers and doers to speak for 18 minutes. Their talks are then made available, free, at TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Al Gore, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Nandan Nilekani, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Isabel Allende, and UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The annual TED Conference takes place in Long Beach, California, with simulcast in Palm Springs.

TEDx: The x = independently organized event. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.

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